Neale Daniher pens letter to Demons fans

Neale Daniher has penned an inspirational letter to the Demons Army daring to dream of a grand final victory. Read it in full.

Neale Daniher has written a letter to Melbourne fans. Picture: Jason Edwards

Footy legend Neale Daniher has declared the time for long-suffering Melbourne fans to “dare to dream” has finally arrived as their team chases drought-breaking success.

Demons fans are counting down the days until Melbourne takes on the Western Bulldogs in the AFL grand final, nervously hopeful a long awaited premiership will be delivered on Saturday night.

Daniher has penned an inspirational letter to the Demons Army, praying like every fan of the red and blue that 57 years in the premiership wilderness is about to end.

And the man who coached the Dees for 223 games from 1998-2007 told the Herald Sun the thought of watching Melbourne play off for a premiership warmed his heart and mind.

“I think the overriding feeling is pride and joy that we have got back here,’’ he said.

“The team and us supporters feel we have earnt the right to challenge for the cup.

“At the same time there is a feeling amongst all Melbourne fans that yes, we are with our team through good times and bad, but after 57 years we can dare to dream.

“That finally it’s our time.

“We have total confidence in the team so we are hopeful, expectant but at the same time anxious.

“Bring on Saturday.’’

Neale Daniher at home during the finals series.

Daniher declined the opportunity to deliver one of his famous rousing sermons for Melbourne players in the build up to Saturday’s grand final.

“They don’t need inspiration from me … they are doing just fine,’’ he said.

But, through the Herald Sun, he wrote a poignant letter to footy fans everywhere hoping to see their team achieve the ultimate success, titling it “The Back of the Bus’’.

“This is to footy supporters who ‘aspire’ to get to sit at the back,’’ he said.

Daniher won’t be in Perth to watch the team he coached to its last grand final in 2000 against Essendon, the club he previously captained.

“Like everyone in Melbourne” he will watch from home, with his wife Jan and loyal Labrador, Murphy.

Melbourne fans are feeling rightfully anxious and excited about their team’s first grand final in 21 years, in an all Victorian premiership decider in Perth.

Daniher addresses Melbourne players and staff ahead of a Big Freeze match. Picture: Jay Town

But Daniher said Melbourne players and fans had every right to be confident.

“The team has played to a consistently high standard all year,’’ he said.

“You know what they will bring each week and they have a game style that everyone on the team has really bought into.

“And as a supporter, it’s great to watch the teams mix of hardness, committed defence and attacking flair.’’